Craving the comforting flavors of chicken parmesan but short on time? These Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes bring together two beloved classics in one irresistible sandwich. The savory ground chicken is simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with Italian herbs and garlic, then topped with melty mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this 45-minute meal delivers all the satisfaction of traditional chicken parmesan without the fuss of breading and frying. It’s a guaranteed family pleaser that combines nostalgic sloppy joe fun with the beloved flavors of Italian-American cuisine.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick and easy – ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
- Kid-friendly twist on classic chicken parmesan
- One-pan preparation means minimal cleanup
- Budget-friendly way to feed a family of four
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground chicken
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (about 3 cups)
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
- 4 brioche buns
- 1/4 cup garlic margarine or butter, softened
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will be used later to toast the buns, giving them a delicious crispy texture that helps prevent them from getting soggy from the sauce.
- Place a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Unlike ground beef, ground chicken doesn’t release much fat, so there’s no need to drain it after cooking. Continue cooking and crumbling until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to brown slightly around the edges, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced yellow onion to the pan with the cooking ground chicken. Stir the mixture well, allowing the onions to soften and become translucent as they cook with the chicken. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, until the onions are soft and the chicken is completely cooked through.
- Once the chicken is completely cooked and the onions are softened, pour the marinara sauce into the pan. Add the basil pesto, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the ground chicken and onions are completely coated in the sauce. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low. Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the chicken mixture and stir well to incorporate. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding richness and that classic Chicken Parmesan flavor. Let the mixture continue to simmer gently over low heat while you prepare the buns, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Place the brioche buns, split open with cut sides facing up, in a single layer on a baking sheet. Spread the softened garlic butter or margarine evenly on both the top and bottom halves of each bun. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the buns for about 5 minutes, until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once the buns are toasted, remove them from the oven. Place the bottom halves on serving plates or a serving platter. Generously spoon the hot chicken Parmesan mixture onto each bottom bun, dividing it equally between the four sandwiches.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the hot chicken mixture on each sandwich. The heat from the chicken mixture will help melt the cheese. If you prefer a more melted cheese topping, you can place the assembled bottom halves back in the oven for 1-2 minutes. Top each sandwich with the upper bun half, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or lean ground beef if you prefer
- Add 1/2 cup of finely diced bell peppers with the onions for extra vegetables
- For a spicier version, double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce
- Make it gluten-free by serving on gluten-free buns or over zucchini noodles
- Prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve
- For a lower-carb option, serve in lettuce cups instead of buns
Serving Suggestions
These Chicken Parmesan Sloppy Joes pair perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside garlic parmesan fries, roasted vegetables, or a cup of minestrone soup.
For an authentic Italian-American experience, complement these sandwiches with some marinated antipasto vegetables or a small dish of olive oil sprinkled with Italian herbs for dipping any leftover bread.
Notes
- Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- The sauce should be thick enough to stay on the bun without making it soggy
- For best results, toast the buns well to prevent them from getting too soft
- Freeze cooled meat mixture for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The meat mixture can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove before assembling sandwiches.
How do I prevent my sloppy joes from being too runny?
Make sure to simmer the sauce until it thickens. If it’s still too runny, add an additional tablespoon of tomato paste.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can cook and shred chicken breasts, then add them to the sauce. The texture will be different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the meat mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if needed. Toast fresh buns before assembling.
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